What’s happening in December?

The holidays are right around the corner and an array of events are on offer, from Christmas-themed fairs and markets to ultimate summer festivals, wine celebrations and live music.

Descending on the sparkly shores of Geographe Bay and Busselton, December also plays host to the world-renowned IRONMAN Western Australia triathlon event. This massive sporting event attracts elite athletes, enthusiasts and supporters alike for the ultimate bucket-list race.

Read on for all the events and festivals happening this month.

Babe Rainbow’s pulled up with new natural medicine for a good mood with their latest ep ‘Mushroom’ and are locked in for an epic evening at The River. Plenty more groovy gigs are lined up this month with Kingswood, Ayo Busari, Toby Beard, and Echo Omen to name a few, so make sure to grab your tickets to fun times ASAP.

West Australian Opera is proud to present Opera in Margaret River, a Gala Concert at the Margaret River HEART – Nala Bardip Mia. Hear your favourite hits re-imagined and opera classics performed in a concert, featuring a cast of extraordinary West Australian singers share their incredible voices in a celebration of great music. Without a doubt, this will be an unmissable night.

The much-loved Howard Park event Bubbles & Blooms is back bigger than ever, with six different sparkling wines and a range of Champagne on ice at the bar. Wander the flower market stalls run by local florists, relax to live music on the shady lawn, feast on falafel, dumplings and artisanal gelato with a glass of your favourite bubbles in hand.

Margaret River may be all about the Pro, but travel up the coast and you’ll find the Yallingup Malibu Classic. Hosted by The Indian Ocean Longboard Club, join this fun event to catch the state’s best longboarders competing. And the best part? Spectating is free!

Incorporating the iconic Busselton Jetty, IRONMAN Western Australia is recognised as a world-class sporting event and spectacular destination race. And with a bike and run course that are among the flattest on the global IRONMAN circuit, the WA event is globally renowned as the place to go for a personal best. If you’re not quite up for the challenge yourself, come along and cheer on the incredible humans undertaking this mammoth of a physical experience.

The Carols in the Park has grown considerably in popularity over the years with crowds filling the park with hundreds of people. It’s a wonderful event that celebrates family and community at this special time of the year with up to 250 singers and musicians involved in the performance, as well as a much-loved visit from Santa.

Sea, stars, and science unite as Busselton Jetty launches their new night sky camera and becomes part of worldwide Global Meteor Network. To celebrate this cosmic milestone, Busselton Jetty invites you to the launch event on 8 December, 6pm-9pm. This immersive experience includes gastronomic delights curated by renowned chef Tony Howell, exclusive access to the Underwater Observatory, and engaging astronomy talk by Perth Observatory.

Hundreds of motorcyclists come to the South West with the same intention: to raise money and donations for The Salvos Christmas Appeal, helping struggling families and children at Christmas time. With the main event happening on the Sunday, get ready for a fun weekend in Augusta with motorcycles, ice cream, Santa appearances, music and DJ, sausage sizzle and a raffle auction.

Set against sunset over the gorgeous Busselton Jetty and Geographe Bay, the amphitheatre on the Foreshore Parade comes alive with festive lights and all your favourite Christmas classics at Carols by the Jetty. Kids can enjoy face painting, climbing wall, soccer and an obstacle course from 4pm, with the Carols starting at 6pm.

Join Eagle Bay Brewing Co in celebrating their 13th birthday and the launch of their brand-new garden bar. The team will be slinging $10 core range pints from 3-7pm and DJ Mandy B will be spinning tunes all arvo long, setting the scene for an epic Birthday Bash. The party is also the start of a Summer Sundowner series, where Eagle Bay Brewing will be extending their opening hours until 7pm.

Bring your picnic rug for a magical evening of holiday tunes as the sun sets behind the stunning amphitheatre at Happs Wines. Performed by a piano quintet of some of Australia’s finest young musicians, this concert will feature some beautiful and well-known selections from the standard classical repertoire and of course your favourite jazzy Christmas songs.

Bring the family and enjoy shopping amongst local small business selling jewellery, art, homewares, fashion, kids wear, gifts and so much more at the Cove Christmas Market. Food vans will be available so hang around for the day for a bite to eat and a dip in the Bay.

This free event at Aravina Estate celebrates summer with live sunset music sessions, flowing craft beer, Aperol spritzes and delicious food. Coupled with outdoor tables and umbrellas on the lawn, free picnic rugs to use and a fully fenced playground, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

Dreaming of sundowners, lawn lounging and a taste of the Mediterranean? Vino Paradiso is back, and this time the team at Cherubino is making a full day of it. Join them on Friday 29 December from 11am to 10pm for an all-day wine paradise filled with live music, DJs, Mediterranean-inspired food trucks, drinks and Cherubino’s award-winning wines.

The 2024 Festival of Busselton will be the event’s 60th anniversary! To celebrate, Festival of Busselton will have new events, special events and merch for sale. Whether you’re interested in arts and crafts, sporting events, or live entertainment; there will be a plethora of events to make your holiday in Busselton memorable. Keep your eyes peeled for the 2024 programme.

It is almost time for everyone’s favourite kooky, carni-filled, South West circus festival – Karnidale. Every year around the middle of January, an off-the-beaten-track country estate is transformed into a world-class circus site playing host to an incredible line-up of international acts. From circus performers, cabaret stars, comedy acts and magicians to live bands, DJs, market stalls and bars, this fest has got it all and is an authentic carnival experience unlike any other in the world.

The Busselton Jetty Swim is an annual 3.6km ocean swim around the iconic Busselton Jetty. Entry is open to swimmers of all abilities from novice to professionals, and for those who prefer to stay dry, there are loads of family friendly entertainment and activities all weekend along the Busselton Foreshore, creating a real festival vibe.